Planned Parenthood is turning to the Supreme Court to block enforcement of the new Texas law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.
On Thursday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit lifted the injunction placed on the provision of the abortion law by U.S. District Court Judge Lee Yeakle.
Monday, Planned Parenthood and its coalition of women’s health groups filed an emergency application with the Supreme Court to reinstate Yeakle’s injunction.
According to the women’s groups, the requirement that abortionists have admitting privileges has resulted in a third of abortion providers being unable to practice.
“We’re asking the Supreme Court to stop Texas’ dangerous and extreme law from taking effect because your rights — your very ability to make your own medical decisions — should not depend on your zip code,” Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood said in a statement.
According to reports, the lifting of the injunction resulted in the closing of 12 abortion clinics in the state.
Pro-lifers cheered the lifting of the injunction last week.
“Today’s decision affirms our right to protect both the unborn and the health of the women of Texas. We will continue doing everything we can to protect a culture of life in our state,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry said.
The Texas abortion-restricting law — which in addition to requiring admitting privileges also bans abortions after 20 weeks and requires abortions be done in surgical facilities — catapulted Democratic state senator, turned gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis into a progressive hero for her 13-hour filibuster to block the legislation. The law ultimately passed.
The women’s health groups filed their initial case on Sept. 27.